Synonyms ofdoubtful

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doubtful

adjective

ˈdau̇t-fəl How to pronounce doubtful (audio)

as inunsure

not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or somethinghe wasdoubtful about the decision to complete the project despite its mounting problems

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as inquestionable

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challengedthe election results were highlydoubtful, so an investigation was begun

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as inunlikely

not likely to be true or to occurour winning the championship increasingly looks like adoubtful outcome

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as indisputable

open to question or disputeadoubtful claim to the property

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How does the adjectivedoubtful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms ofdoubtful aredubious,problematic, andquestionable. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something,"doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

When isdubious a more appropriate choice thandoubtful?

The wordsdubious anddoubtful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically,dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to useproblematic instead ofdoubtful?

While the synonymsproblematic anddoubtful are close in meaning,problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished isproblematic

When wouldquestionable be a good substitute fordoubtful?

While in some cases nearly identical todoubtful,questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man ofquestionable honesty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage.Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.Send us feedback.

Recent Examples ofdoubtfulNow, with McPherson abruptly un-disappeared, an even larger group of people—the relieved, the vengeful, thedoubtful, and the desperate-for-a-byline—set about trying to vet her story.—

Casey Cep,New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025Montgomery said Parayko wasdoubtfulfor the game against Seattle and that Tuesday’s game against Utah was a target date for his possible return from a knee scope.—

Jeremy Rutherford,New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025Since his game designation remainsdoubtful, the star center likely won't be playing against Brooklyn.—

Kevin Sabet,Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025But the official wasdoubtfulthere were many who would want to take the job at a Pentagon that is in such disarray.—

Quil Lawrence,NPR, 25 Apr. 2025See All Example Sentences fordoubtful

Recent Examples of Synonyms fordoubtful

Adjective

Investing Too Much, Too Soon AI is evolving rapidly, leaving businessesunsurewhether to be pioneers, early adopters or cautious followers.
— Expert Panel®,Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Scientists were initiallyunsurewhat was confronting them in the dark.
— Mark Price,Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2025

Definition ofunsure

Adjective

Or couldn’t, thanks in part toquestionableplayer usage by coach Jim Hiller.
— Eric Stephens,New York Times, 3 May 2025
The deportation of Venezuelan men to a hellish mega-prison in El Salvador, on thequestionablesuspicion of gang affiliations, based on the presence of tattoos: flowers, a soccer logo, an autism-awareness ribbon.
— Jia Tolentino,New Yorker, 3 May 2025

Definition ofquestionable

Adjective

Low interest rates areunlikelyto return anytime soon.
— Azeem Khan,Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
The foundation claimed Mexico wasunlikelyto change its stance when Sheinbaum was elected despite the escalating threat from cartels.
— Alexandra Koch,FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025

Definition ofunlikely

Adjective

Beskepticalof anyone talking about AI in generalities versus their specific expertise.
— Neil J. Rubenking,PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, by contrast, was a vociferous critic of Mr. Putin during his Senate tenure and has struck a moreskepticaltone.
— Michael Crowley,New York Times, 2 May 2025

Definition ofskeptical

Adjective

Mary’s fixation on commemorating James’dubioustalents.
— Judy Berman,Time, 2 May 2025
Together, these studies indicate that boys may be especially sensitive to the quality of early caregiving—an argument to both increase social support for families and resistdubiousassumptions that boys do not require substantial affectionate nurturing.
— Joshua Coleman,The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025

Definition ofdubious

Adjective

While the issue of gun violence is complicated and while many responses aredebatable, this trend is neither.
— Joel Mosbacher,New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025
While her in-ring skills weredebatableamong fans, her undeniable charisma and strong connection with the WWE audience were consistently praised.
— Gordon G. Chang,MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

Definition ofdebatable

Adjective

The individual was identified as Samuel Stovall, 51, and authorities said his death hasn't been deemedsuspicious.
— Adam Sabes,FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Police were called to a section of Third Street for a report of asuspiciouscar, and ended up finding the man’s body inside, authorities said.
— Nate Gartrell,Mercury News, 1 May 2025

Definition ofsuspicious

Adjective

The future remainsuncertainand the debate over fairness, inclusion and athlete rights continues.
— Marni Rose McFall,MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
With a decline in visitor numbers and travel dollars, and federal aid nowhere in sight, the future remainsuncertainfor many in the area.
— Olivia Lee,Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025